1185 papal election facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Papal election1185 |
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|---|---|
| Dates and location | |
| 25 November 1185 Verona |
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| Key officials | |
| Dean | Konrad von Wittelsbach |
| Camerlengo | Cardinal Melior |
| Protopriest | Alberto di Morra |
| Protodeacon | Giacinto Bobone Orsini |
| Elected pope | |
| Uberto Crivelli Name taken: Urban III |
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The 1185 papal election happened on November 25. It took place after Pope Lucius III passed away. In this election, Cardinal Uberto Crivelli from Milan was chosen. He then became known as Pope Urban III.
Contents
Pope Lucius III's Challenges in Verona
Pope Lucius III became Pope on September 1, 1181. However, he could not live in Rome because the people there were against him. He had to be crowned in a town called Velletri. The Pope refused to give the Romans certain traditional rights, called consuetudines. Because of this, he was forced to leave Rome and stay in Velletri.
Meanwhile, people from Tusculum, a town destroyed by Rome, started rebuilding their defenses. The Romans were angry about this. In April 1184, they attacked Tusculum again. Then, they turned their anger towards the surrounding areas. Pope Lucius III had to escape to Verona. He met with Emperor Frederick Barbarossa there. Some cardinals followed the Pope to Verona. But other cardinals, whose supporters had caused trouble in Rome, stayed behind.
Discussions between the Pope and the Emperor did not go well. They argued about who should choose bishops. They also disagreed about land in Tuscany. This land was supposed to go to the Church, but the Emperor controlled it. He insisted it was his feudal property. The Emperor became frustrated and angry. He moved to his palace in Pavia. He then surrounded Verona with soldiers. No one could enter or leave the papal court. Anyone caught trying was put in prison and tortured.
Who Voted in the Election?
When Pope Lucius III died on November 25, 1185, there were likely 26 cardinals. Cardinals are important leaders in the Catholic Church. They are usually the ones who elect a new Pope. Just two weeks before the Pope's death, eighteen cardinals signed an important document. This shows they were with the Pope in Verona.
Out of all the cardinals, eighteen of them took part in the election. Most of these cardinals were from Northern Italy. They strongly disagreed with the Emperor. Many cardinals from Rome, who were more moderate, were not present.
The Election of Pope Urban III
Pope Lucius III died in Verona on November 25, 1185. He was very old. On the same day, eighteen cardinals began the process to choose the next Pope. Most of these cardinals were from Northern Italy. They were strongly against the Emperor's influence. Many cardinals from Rome, who had different views, were not there.
Because of this, the Northern Italian cardinals quickly chose their preferred candidate. This was Uberto Crivelli from Milan. He was known as a strong and determined person. He was also a firm opponent of Emperor Frederick. He was chosen unanimously just a few hours after Pope Lucius III died. He took the name Urban III. He was crowned in Verona on December 1, 1185.
After becoming Pope, he also continued to be the Archbishop of Milan.
Sources
- Gregorovius, Ferdinand (1896). The History of Rome in the Middle Ages Vol. IV, part 2. London: George Bell 1896.
